A RHYL actress is heading back to the cobbles. 

Coronation Street has confirmed the return of character Nicky Wheatley, played by former Rhyl High pupil Kimberly Hart-Simpson. She will return in connection with the Lauren Bolton storyline; Lauren is missing and Roy Cropper (David Neilson) is DS Swain’s number one suspect for the murder but Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) knows he’s also still under suspicion.

Coronation Street posted on their Instagram: "Kimberly Hart-Simpson returns to Coronation Street.

"Kimberly Hart-Simpson is set to return to our screens as Daniel goes in search of help from old friend Nicky Wheatley."

Kimberly has been away from the soap for four years. 


Desperate to clear his name, Daniel enlists the help of Nicky, who previously worked as an escort herself.

Nicky is now an outreach worker in the community and Daniel believes she may be able to help find information about Lauren’s disappearance from the girls she supports on the streets.

A spokesperson for the soap said: "The connection still there between the pair, Nicky is keen to try and help Daniel, but the girls she works with are scared and vulnerable following news of Lauren’s murder.

"Can Nicky encourage them to open up and shed some more light on who may be behind the attack?"

On reprising the role of Nicky for a guest stint, Kimberly said: “It’s been four years since we first met Nicky and it is once again a pleasure to be back on the cobbles. Stories surrounding women within the sex industry have often been forgotten, shamed or unspoken. But not at Coronation Street, they respectfully explore the world these women live in, the impact it has on the community and at some points dangers attached to the work.

"The story of Lauren Bolton has allowed the safety of other characters to come forward such as Cassie but unfortunately led to the devastating effects of conspiracy theories by other folk.

"Nicky has fought against all stereotypes and I am looking forward to the audience finding out who and where she is today.” 

Kimberly posted on her Instagram a photo of herself and Rob on the swings.

She wrote: "Exactly four years since I first began playing 'Nicky Wheatley' and I have been making visits every since!

"I absolutely adore the people, the show and working with @rob.mallard [heart emoji]. It's good to be back."